I knew that something was wrong the moment we arrived.
“Dear God,” I breathed as I took in the sight in front of me.
“Wow,” “Shit,” “No way,” and “Holy cow” all echoed behind me.
It had been just over six hours since I’d dropped Levee off, and somehow, during that time, her yard had been transformed into weird combination of an extravagant white wedding mixed with the state fair—complete with a small Ferris wheel and every carnival game imaginable. Pearl-colored balloons decorated the corners of each booth, while large, pink floral arrangements covered all eight of the tables under the huge, white canopy.
My mom elbowed me in the ribs. “Perhaps I should have brought something a little fancier than pasta salad…and maybe worn a cocktail dress.” She lifted her chin to a man in a tux pushing open the front door for us.
“I think our idea of a get-together might be a little different than Levee’s,” I replied.
“You think?” Meg snapped. “I’m in jeans!”
“Levee!” Morgan cried when she suddenly appeared in the doorway looking every bit like the A-list celebrity she was—perfectly styled hair, tight, white dress, designer heels, a face full of makeup, and the fakest smile I’d ever seen that woman wear.
I started laughing as her eyes found mine.
“Give me a second,” I told the group as I headed in her direction.
“Hi,” she squeaked when I wrapped her in a tight hug, lifting her off her feet.
Setting her back on the ground, I asked, “What did you do?”
Her eyes flashed away. “Well, I burnt the cake I was trying to make, and then I got nervous, so I called a party planner, and I…well, I may have gone a bit overboard.”
Henry walked up behind her. “A bit?”
“Shut up and go hit on one of the waiters,” she barked before shyly looking back up at me.
Cupping my hand to my ear, I asked for clarification, “One of the waiters?”
Henry lifted his hand and wiggled four fingers, quickly extending it for a shake when Levee turned to glare at him.
I reached out and took his hand. “What’s up, man?”
“You know, just drinking your girlfriend’s Cristal and trying to convince her that red shoes would’ve looked better with that dress. But what do I know?” He shrugged, tipping a champagne glass to his lips.
My eyes once again found Levee’s. “Cristal?”
She huffed. “I already said I overdid it. Don’t give me shit. I was nervous, and that party planner was wicked pushy. I told her kids were coming, and before I knew what happened, carnies were setting up.”
I grabbed the back of her neck and bent to touch my lips to hers. “I’m not going to give you shit. It’s really nice. Completely unnecessary. But sweet nonetheless. Is there cake?”
Her body melted as she wrapped her arms around my neck. “Red velvet and chocolate.”
“Good! Morgan’s birthday is next week. I’m telling her this is her party. Save Meg and Ty some cash.” I winked. Releasing her, I tossed my arms out to my sides and spun to face my family. “Happy birthday, Morgan!”
Her eyes lit as she threw her hands over her mouth.
As if on cue, Henry bustled out the door. “Wait. Morgan’s here?”
At the sight of him, Morgan burst into tears.
Meg and Ty laughed.
My mom clutched her heart.
Jen’s cheeks pinked as she gasped.
Ryan looked down at her and cursed, shooting an angry glare in Henry’s direction.
Levee’s arm looped around my waist.
And I smiled for what felt like the very first time.